158 Education
Education Expo, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and the EDB on December 10 and 11, attracted over 7 500 visitors.
Information Technology in Education
The Government is committed to promoting the use of IT to improve learning and to equip students with the necessary IT skills to meet the challenges of the information age and to become lifelong learners. All schools are connected to the Internet. The student-to-computer ratios are about 4:1 in secondary schools and 6:1 in primary schools.
Language Education
The Standing Committee on Language Education and Research was set up in 1996 to advise the Government on language education matters. It also advises the trustee of the Language Fund on the policy and procedures governing the fund's operation. The fund was set up in 1994 to provide financial support for initiatives to improve Hong Kong people's proficiency in Chinese (including Putonghua) and English.
Native-speaking English Teacher Scheme
The Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme has helped create an enriched English language learning environment for students. Through implementing literacy programmes and using language arts resources, NETs work with local English teachers in enhancing teaching practices and making learning English more interesting for students. There have been changes in classroom practice, with more innovative teaching strategies being adopted. Students have also shown a more positive attitude towards the learning of English. At present, there are some 415 NETS working in secondary schools and around 457 NETS working in primary schools.
Professional Development at Schools
Teachers' Professional Development
The Advisory Committee on Teacher Education and Qualifications continued to advise the EDB on new developments of initial teacher education and the continuing professional development of teachers.
The Chief Executive's Award for Teaching Excellence (CEATE), organised by the EDB, aims to give recognition to accomplished teachers and foster a culture of excellence in the teaching profession. A total of 104 teachers received awards or certificates of merit in the CEATE (2010-11).
The Hong Kong Teachers' Centre organises conferences, seminars, workshops. and experience-sharing sessions to promote continuing professional development for teachers. Physical and mental health activities are also arranged to help teachers maintain work-life balance.
As a non-statutory body, the Council on Professional Conduct in Education (CPC) is advising the Government on measures to promote professional conduct in education and on alleged misconduct cases involving educators that are lodged with the CPC.